Rugby in Leicester: Complete Guide to Clubs, Pitches & Training for All Ages

Leicester boasts a rich rugby heritage as home to the legendary Leicester Tigers and numerous thriving grassroots clubs. From the shadows of Welford Road Stadium to the playing fields of Oadby, Wigston, and Loughborough, the Leicester area offers exceptional rugby opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re searching for premier rugby teams, junior development programs, women’s rugby squads, or specialized training facilities, Leicester’s rugby community delivers world-class experiences across the city and surrounding areas.

Professional and Elite Rugby in Leicester

Leicester Tigers stand as the city’s crown jewel of rugby, competing at the highest level of English rugby at the historic Welford Road Stadium. With 10 Premiership titles and two European cups, Tigers represent Leicester’s sporting excellence globally. Their academy system has produced numerous England internationals and offers aspiring young players clear pathways to professional rugby.

The Leicester Tigers Rugby Camps run throughout the year across Leicester and Leicestershire, providing expert coaching for children aged 6-14 during school holidays. These popular camps offer high-quality training from qualified coaches with Tigers’ distinctive development methodology.

Community Rugby Clubs in Leicester City

Leicester Forest RFC in Kirby Muxloe offers comprehensive rugby programs with multiple senior teams and a thriving youth section. Their Hinckley Road grounds include multiple pitches and modern training facilities.

South Leicester RFC at Welford Road Recreation Ground provides excellent rugby opportunities with active men’s, women’s, and junior sections from U6 to U18, making it ideal for families looking to introduce children to rugby in south Leicester.

Aylestone St James RFC in Aylestone operates from Covert Lane, offering competitive and social rugby with strong community ties. Their mini and junior sections welcome children from age 5, focusing on skills development in a supportive environment.

Stoneygate RFC based at Grace Road provides rugby for various age groups, with particular strength in their youth development approach.

Rugby in Leicester Suburbs and Surrounding Areas

Oadby Wyggs RFC in Oadby offers excellent facilities at their Oval Park grounds with men’s, women’s, and comprehensive junior sections. Their girls’ rugby program has grown significantly, creating pathways from beginners to competitive play.

Vipers RFC in Whetstone boasts quality pitches and a clubhouse at their Vipers Road ground. Their mini and junior sections are particularly strong, with age-grade rugby from U6 through to colts.

Syston RFC north of Leicester city provides outstanding rugby facilities at their Central Park location with multiple teams across age groups.

Wigston RFC offers community-focused rugby with strong youth development programs and adult teams competing at various levels.

Rugby for Children and Youth in Leicester

Leicester excels in providing rugby opportunities for younger players:

Rugby Tots Leicester runs sessions across venues including Knighton Park and Oadby Leisure Centre, introducing toddlers and children aged 2-7 to rugby fundamentals through play-based activities.
Mini Rugby programs at most Leicester clubs welcome children from age 5-12, with tag rugby for younger participants progressing to contact versions as appropriate.
School Rugby thrives in Leicester schools including Leicester Grammar School, Beauchamp College, and De Lisle College, many benefiting from the RFU’s All Schools initiative.
Half-term Rugby Camps run at various locations including Leicester Forest RFC and Oadby Wyggs during school holidays, providing structured coaching and fun activities.

Women’s and Girls’ Rugby in Leicester

Women’s rugby continues growing rapidly across Leicester:

Leicester Tigers Women represent the elite pathway for female players in the region.
Oadby Wyggs Women offers competitive women’s rugby with established teams and development squads.
South Leicester Ladies provides opportunities for female players of various experience levels.
Girls’ Rugby programs start from U11s at several clubs including Vipers RFC and Syston RFC, creating clear developmental pathways.
Women’s Beginners Rugby sessions run at clubs throughout Leicester, welcoming new players in supportive environments.

Rugby Training Facilities and Pitches in Leicester

Leicester offers excellent rugby facilities:

Welford Road Stadium serves as Leicester’s rugby cathedral, hosting Tigers matches and offering community engagement opportunities.
Victoria Park provides open spaces used for casual rugby and training sessions.
Saffron Lane Sports Ground includes rugby facilities as part of its sports complex.
Leicester Loughborough Rugby Partnership at Loughborough University offers world-class training facilities for developing players.

Rugby Equipment and Shops in Leicester

For equipment and apparel needs:

Leicester Tigers Club Shop at Welford Road offers official merchandise and quality rugby equipment.
SportsDirect at Fosse Park stocks a range of rugby boots, protective gear, and training equipment.
Decathlon at Highcross Shopping Centre provides affordable rugby essentials for players of all levels.

Specialized Rugby Programs in Leicester

Leicester offers diverse rugby experiences:

Touch Rugby Leicester runs sessions at various parks and club grounds, providing non-contact options for all ages.
Walking Rugby at Leicester Forest and South Leicester clubs caters to older players and those requiring lower-intensity participation.
Leicester College Rugby Academy combines education with high-performance rugby training.
One-to-One Rugby Coaching is available through qualified coaches affiliated with local clubs and Tigers development officers.

From the iconic Welford Road Stadium to community clubs across Leicestershire, rugby forms a central part of the region’s sporting identity. With 10-time Premiership champions Leicester Tigers at its heart and a network of inclusive clubs spanning the city and beyond, Leicester offers exceptional rugby opportunities for everyone from toddlers taking their first steps in tag rugby to competitive adult players and those seeking social or walking rugby experiences.